EDUCATION AND SKILLS

Further Education

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 
	(1)  what changes are planned to the budget for further education colleges in England for the academic year 2005/06;
	(2)  what provision is being made for colleges of further education in England to maintain existing part-time adult courses.

Bill Rammell: On 15 November 2004 the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) received its grant letter for 2005/06 from the Department. The letter reiterated our key priorities for 2005/06 to meet the needs of young people, those lacking literacy, numeracy and English language skills and those without a foundation of skills for employment. It also allocated an additional £630 million for the financial year 2005–06 when compared to 2004–05 planned expenditure—an increase of over 7 per cent. The LSC allocates funds to providers to deliver our priorities which are set out annually in the grant letter. Individual colleges and providers agree plans with the LSC and funding is allocated accordingly.

ENVIRONMENT FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Dairy Cattle

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether cull dairy cows destined for the beef market after the end of the over-30-months scheme will be subject to dual inspection by milk and meat inspectors.

Caroline Flint: I have been asked to reply.
	I am advised by the Food Standards Agency that dairy hygiene inspectors carry out hygiene inspections focusing on facilities and equipment on production holdings. When the restrictions imposed by the over-30-months scheme are eventually lifted, dairy cows, which are no longer required to produce milk for human consumption can be slaughtered for meat for human consumption in licensed slaughterhouses. All such animals would be subject to ante-mortem and post-mortem inspections in licensed slaughterhouses by an official veterinary surgeon.

Motor Sports

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  under what circumstances motor sports can take place on land eligible for single farm payments;
	(2)  if the Government will grant a general exemption to motor sports taking place on land eligible for single farm payments on the same basis as other activities that are allowed on such land;
	(3)  if she will include motorcycle trials in Section B of the Guidance on Single Farm Payment Scheme and Non-Agricultural Use as an activity with restriction and remove them from Section C.

Jim Knight: Land used in support of claims for payment under the 2005 Single Payment Scheme (SPS) must be at claimants' disposal for the 10-month period nominated on their claim forms. Under recently updated guidance issued by the Department, motor sports have been moved to Section B from Section C. This means such may take place on up to 28 days during the nominated 10-month period, in addition to all of the remaining two months of the year. It remains the case that all claims for payment are subject to observance of set cross-compliance conditions, which apply for the whole calendar year. There are no immediate plans to further update the guidance, but it will be reviewed for the 2006 scheme in the light of experience of this first year of operation of the SPS.

Motor Sports

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her policy is on whether motor sports are an activity which is consistent with land being considered as remaining in agricultural use.

Jim Knight: The Department has drawn up guidance on the Single Payment Scheme (SPS) and non-agricultural use of land which balances the need for diversification opportunities with the necessity to abide by the EU rules on eligibility of land under the scheme. That guidance is built around the degree to which non-agricultural use impedes or is inconsistent with normal farming activities and has recently been updated to provide for more flexibility in respect of motor sports.

Motor Sports

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the impact of the Single Farm Payment Scheme on farm land being used for motor sports.

Jim Knight: Land used in support of claims for payment under the 2005 Single Payment Scheme (SPS) must be at claimants' disposal for the 10-month period nominated on their claim forms. Under recently updated guidance issued by the Department, motor sports may take place on up to 28 days during the nominated 10-month period, in addition to all of the remaining two months of the year. It remains the case that all claims for payment are subject to observance of set cross-compliance conditions, which apply for the whole calendar year. The updated guidance takes on board representations made by motor sports interests and, overall, we would expect the impact of the SPS on farmland used for such sports to be limited.

Motor Sports

Stephen Byers: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to define motorcycle trials as an activity with greater restriction for the purposes of the guidance on the single payment scheme and non-agricultural use.

Jim Knight: holding answer 24 May 2005
	Land used in support of claims for payment under the 2005 Single Payment Scheme (SPS) must be at claimants' disposal for the 10-month period nominated on their claim forms. Under recently updated guidance issued by the Department, motor sports, including motorcycle trials, may take place on up to 28 days during the nominated 10-month period, in addition to all of the remaining two months of the year. It remains the case that all claims for payment are subject to observance of set cross-compliance conditions, which apply for the whole calendar year. There are no immediate plans to further update the guidance, but it will be reviewed for the 2006 scheme in the light of experience of this first year of operation of the SPS.

SOLICITOR-GENERAL

Rape Trials

Vera Baird: To ask the Solicitor-General what assessment he has made of the reasons for the attrition rate in rape prosecutions.

Mike O'Brien: Research indicates a number of reasons for the attrition rate in rape cases. Victims may withdraw for fear of not being believed; others are fearful that judgments will be made about their behaviour; some withdraw through fear of the process, particularly the court system; and victims can be scared of reprisals.
	In 2002, the Government implemented the Rape Action Plan (RAP) in order to address these issues. There will be an audit of its implementation later this year. HMIC and HMCPSI will then review again the manner in which the police and the CPS deal with rape cases. This review work will enable the Government to determine what is working and what remains to be done in tackling attrition in rape cases.

Rape Trials

Vera Baird: To ask the Solicitor-General what the Crown Prosecution Service's policy is on dealing with defence applications to admit previous sexual history in rape cases which were not made in accordance with rules of court prior to trial.

Mike O'Brien: The Crown Prosecution Service's policy is that advocates must be robust both in dealing with such applications and in ensuring that the correct procedure is followed. This applies to applications made before the trial and at trial. The policy also provides that, if the court grants leave to cross-examine a complainant about previous sexual history, the prosecuting advocate should review the position relating to special measures, and in particular should consider whether it is necessary to make an application to the court for one more of the special measures provided by the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999, or to apply to vary a pre-existing direction.

Rape Trials

Vera Baird: To ask the Solicitor-General 
	(1)  what monitoring is carried out by (a) the Law Officers and (b) the Crown Prosecution Service on the timing of applications by the defence to admit previous sexual history in rape trials, in relation to the trial date;
	(2)  what monitoring is carried out by (a) the Law Officers and (b) the Crown Prosecution Service of defence applications to introduce previous sexual history into rape trials.

Mike O'Brien: The joint inspection of rape cases carried out in 2002 by HMIC and HMCPSI made a large number of recommendations to improve the investigation and prosecution of rape cases, nearly all of which the Government accepted. It was not recommended that either the Law Officers or the Crown Prosecution Service monitor applications to admit previous sexual history or the timing of such applications, and no such monitoring is carried out. But the Home Office has commissioned research into the operation of section 41 Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999, which it will publish in due course.

Rape Trials

Vera Baird: To ask the Solicitor-General what quality control the Crown Prosecution Service carries out on barristers instructed to prosecute rape trials.

Mike O'Brien: The Crown Prosecution Service instructs experienced and committed advocates to prosecute cases involving allegations of rape. This involves seeking to instruct advocates of the necessary skill, competence and sensitivity to prosecute rape cases. In London and the south-east advocates are instructed from a specialist list. In other parts of the country, Grade 4 advocates are instructed where possible. CPS Areas have been advised in guidance issued in August 2003 that local monitoring is appropriate. Examples of local monitoring carried out by CPS Areas include the monitoring of the performance of counsel at trial by experienced caseworkers; monitoring by rape specialists for part of the trial and the raising of performance issues with local Heads of Chambers and at Joint Advocates Selection Committee as appropriate.

Rape Trials

Vera Baird: To ask the Solicitor-General how many specialist rape prosecutors there are in England and Wales.

Mike O'Brien: The CPS has appointed 520 specialist rape prosecutors across England and Wales. In addition, each area appoints a rape co-ordinator, whose function is to provide guidance on good practice to specialist rape prosecutors.

Rape Trials

Vera Baird: To ask the Solicitor-General what advice the Crown Prosecution Service gives to police about the inclusion of details of a rape complainant's previous sexual history in a witness statement made for trial.

Mike O'Brien: It is the duty of the police to investigate allegations of rape and to obtain evidence. The relevance, and so the admissibility, of a complainant's previous sexual history has to be resolved according to the particular circumstances of the case. Accordingly, there is no general advice given by the Crown Prosecution Service to the police about the inclusion of details of a rape complainant's previous sexual history in a witness statement.

Rape Trials

Vera Baird: To ask the Solicitor-General what proportion of applications to admit previous sexual history into rape trials was opposed in the last period for which figures are available; and what proportion was not opposed by the Crown Prosecution Service.

Mike O'Brien: The Crown Prosecution Service does not keep statistical records of applications to admit previous sexual history in rape trials, and so there are no figures available to ascertain the proportion of applications that were opposed and not opposed.
	The Home Office has commissioned research into the operation of section 41 Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999, which it will publish in due course.

Rape Trials

Vera Baird: To ask the Solicitor-General what training the Crown Prosecution Service provides for barristers instructed for the prosecution in rape cases.

Mike O'Brien: In November 2004, the CPS provided training to the Criminal Bar Association on its legal guidance on the Sexual Offences Act 2003, and in particular on the exercise of prosecutorial discretion and charging under the 2003 Act. On a local level, some CPS Areas have provided training to their local bar on the Sexual Offences Act 2003 as well as circulating to them the CPS public policy statement on rape.
	The CPS is presently in discussion with the Head of Education and Training for the Bar and the Criminal Bar Association on the best way to deliver, accredit and evaluate training to prosecution advocates on sexual offences.

DEFENCE

IVF Treatment

Robert Key: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence why IVF treatment is not available to service personnel or their spouses in Germany through (a) his Department, (b) the British Forces Germany Health Service and (c) primary care trusts.

Don Touhig: A number of options are available to Service personnel and their dependants requiring IVF treatment while posted to Germany:
	Although the British Forces Germany Health Service (BFG HS) is not funded for the provision of full IVF and equivalent treatment, it does fund the investigation of infertility and the provision of drug treatments following IVF. This takes place in our primary care facilities or our regional contracted German hospitals. It will also fund correction of any anatomical abnormality that may be causing infertility. In addition Artificial Insemination by Husband (AIH) is available at one of our contracted German hospitals.
	A patient can seek private treatment in Germany bearing the full cost themselves. In unusual cases presenting strong medical/social reasons for IVF treatment, BFG HS may pay for treatment.
	If a patient has embarked on investigation or treatment in the United Kingdom on a NHS programme and is then posted to Germany, they receive full administrative support, including the provision of transport by air trooper. The Ministry of Defence also takes a sympathetic view with regard to the posting of personnel while they are undertaking a course of treatment in the UK by deferring the posting if it is the individual's wish and if it is possible to do so.
	For patients wishing to return to the UK to begin treatment for IVF, the BFG HS makes use of the excellent facilities offered by a charity based service which is provided at Hammersmith hospital in London at no cost to the patient or the MOD. In these cases BFG HS authorises transport by air trooper. In other instances where personnel wish to be posted back to the UK and this is supported by their posting authority, they can be referred to their local primary care trust (PCT) in the UK for the duration of the treatment.
	The Department is currently reformulating its policy on IVF treatment to ensure it is consistent with the standards contained in the current National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines.

Royal Air Force

Andrew Robathan: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost was of producing 'Air Publication 3003: A Brief History of the Royal Air Force'; and how many copies of this book were produced.

Don Touhig: The total cost of producing 'AP3003: A Brief History of the Royal Air Force' was £100,668.00. 60,000 copies were produced.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

British Energy Ltd.

David Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much public money British Energy Ltd. has received since 1996.

Malcolm Wicks: The Government have provided rescue and restructuring aid to British Energy during and as a result of the company's financial restructuring which started in September 2002 and was completed in January 2005. The rescue aid took the form of a loan facility to British Energy which has been repaid in full with interest. Payments made to date by Government in relation to restructuring aid relate to the funding of historic liabilities. The following documents, which are in the public domain, provide the relevant information:
	Trade and Industry Departmental Report 2003 and 2004 (the Departmental Report 2005 is due to be published before the recess); and
	Department of Trade and Industry Consolidated Resource Accounts 2002–03 and 2003–04.

Energy Policy

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will publish recent analyses carried out by his Department on the opportunities provided by nuclear power.

Malcolm Wicks: There has been no recent analysis carried out by the Department of Trade and Industry on opportunities provided by nuclear power.

Gas

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to undertake emergency repairs to ensure security of supply in the gas sector.

Malcolm Wicks: This is a matter for National Grid Transco. NGT has responsibility for maintenance, investment and operation of the high pressure National Transmission System (NTS) system and for keeping the gas network in balance. NGT currently also has responsibility for the low pressure regional gas distribution networks.
	Similarly, the repair and maintenance of facilities for offshore production, on shore gas storage and gas importation is a matter for the owners of this infrastructure.
	The 0800 111 999 national gas emergency service remains the same and will be managed by Transco even after the impending sales of four of the regional gas distribution networks.

Gas

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on security of supply (a) from UK energy sources and (b) to the UK gas system.

Malcolm Wicks: As required by Section 172 of the Energy Act 2004, I will report to Parliament on the security of energy supplies later this year, and annually thereafter.
	National Grid Transco's preliminary winter outlook report will be published shortly. This will consider the supply and demand position on electricity and gas for the forthcoming winter.

Gas

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will discuss with Ofgem halting their reform of the gas exit regime.

Malcolm Wicks: This is a regulatory matter for the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority. The authority plans to introduce new exit arrangements as part of the regulatory, commercial and operational framework necessary to protect customers in a divested industry structure following the potential sale of Transco's gas distribution networks.
	These arrangements will be necessary as both distribution networks and shippers will be competing to secure transmission system exit capacity from Transco. Ofgem have undertaken a public consultation on its proposals, which should also improve the operation of the gas market by providing investment signals to Transco that would assist it in ensuring that pipeline capacity for GB is delivered on an economic and efficient basis.

Hydrogen Energy

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when his Department will respond to the recommendations made to his Department in December 2004 concerning a strategic framework for hydrogen technology; when he expects the UK to have a hydrogen energy strategy; and if he will make a statement.

Malcolm Wicks: In 2004, the Department for Trade and Industry commissioned E4Tech, Element Energy, and Eoin Lees Energy to prepare a report of how the UK might develop a strategic framework for hydrogen energy activities in the UK. The report has been published on the Department's website and can be found at: http://www.dti.gov.uk/energy/sepn/hydrogen.shtml.
	The study considers the costs and environmental benefits of a number of possible hydrogen energy chains, and concludes that by 2030 six hydrogen energy transport chains could provide, for the UK, cost-competitive CO 2 reductions and greater energy security. The Government are currently considering the report's recommendations, and will publish these, together with a considered response soon.

Miners' Compensation Scheme

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what criteria his Department used in making the decision to refuse compensation claims for surface workers employed by British Coal in coal prep plants.

Malcolm Wicks: holding answer 23 May 2005
	The Department's medical advice is that the levels of dust in coal preparation plants were insufficient to cause disabling lung disease. The Claimants' Solicitors Group withdrew their court action in December 2004. It would be inappropriate for the Department to make any payment where there is no liability to do so. However, the Department would investigate any detailed claim brought by a surface worker in compliance with the relevant pre action protocol for industrial disease claims.

Miners' Compensation Scheme

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will place in the Library papers prepared in relation to the signing of the agreement with Vendside Ltd. for miners' industrial disease compensation.

Malcolm Wicks: holding answer 23 May 2005
	The Department have held discussions with the Union of Democratic Mineworkers with regard to the signing of claims handling agreements for both respiratory and vibration related disabilities for former miners. The Department will not be disclosing the content of background papers relating those discussions as the release of such information would inhibit the free and frank exchange of views for the purpose of deliberation.

New Businesses (Coventry)

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many new businesses have been established in Coventry since 1997.

Alun Michael: There were 453,000 business start-ups in England and Wales in 2004 according to Barclays bank's latest survey of business creation includes non-VAT registered firms. This is the highest number since the survey started in 1988.
	Barclays data show that there were 1,600 business start-ups in the Coventry local authority area in 2003 and a further 2,200 in 2004. Data for local authorities are not available for before 2003.
	DTI figures based solely on VAT registrations for the Coventry local authority area are shown below for 1997 to 2003. Data for 2004 will be available in autumn 2005.
	
		Coventry
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 1997 615 
			 1998 640 
			 1999 650 
			 2000 620 
			 2001 655 
			 2002 595 
			 2003 690 
		
	
	Source:
	Business Start-ups and Closures: VAT Registrations and De-registrations 1994–2003, Small Business Service, available from the Libraries of the House and also at http://www.sbs.gov.uk/vats
	VAT registrations do not capture all start-up activity. Businesses are unlikely to be registered if they fall below the compulsory VAT threshold, which has risen in each year since 1997. Only 1.8 million out of 4 million enterprises were registered for VAT at the start of 2003.

Nuclear Industry

Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether British Nuclear Fuels Ltd. is involved in the proposed building of a uranium enrichment facility in New Mexico; whether his Department has been consulted on the project; and if he will make a statement.

Malcolm Wicks: British Nuclear Fuels has a 100 per cent. interest in Westinghouse, the business focus of which is front end nuclear fuel services. Westinghouse has a minority interest of 24.5 per cent. in Louisiana Enrichment Services II partnership (LES). LES is currently going through a licensing application process for the potential construction of a new uranium enrichment facility in New Mexico, based on Urenco's technology. Clearly no construction has yet commenced. Urenco own the remaining controlling interest (75.5 per cent.) in LES. Urenco is one third owned by British Nuclear Fuels with the remaining two thirds being owned by Dutch and German organisations.
	Officials have been kept informed regarding this project.

Phoenix Fund

Andrew Love: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much funding from the Phoenix Fund has been invested in (a) sole traders, (b) small business and (c) social enterprises through community development finance initiatives in each year since its inception; and if he will make a statement.

Alun Michael: As at 31 March 2005 community development finance institutions supported by the DTI's Phoenix Fund have made 2,560 loans with a value of £16,826,070. These figures can be broken down as follows:
	
		
			  Number of loans Value of loans (£) 
		
		
			 2001–02 70 320,822 
			 2002–03 485 2,770,169 
			 2003–04 857 5,556,985 
			 2004–05 1148 8,178,094 
			 Total 2,560 16,826,070 
		
	
	As at 31 March 2005 1,572 loans worth £6,873,718.27 have been made to sole traders and 988 loans worth £9,952,351.73 have been made to SMEs and social enterprises. Lending to social enterprises is aggregated within the SME figures and is not available separately. However, a number of CDFIs supported by the Phoenix Fund specifically identify social enterprises as part of their customer base. The in-year breakdown is as follows:
	
		
			  Sole traders SMEs (inc. social enterprises) 
			  Number of loans Value of loans (£) Number of loans Value of loans (£) 
		
		
			 2001–02 50 160,937.89 20 159,884.11 
			 2002–03 242 1,029,001.71 243 1,741,167.29 
			 2003–04 501 2,244,846.88 356 3,312,138.12 
			 2004–05 779 3,438,931.79 369 4,739,162.21 
			 Total 1,572 6,873,718.27 988 9,952,351.73

Phoenix Fund

Andrew Love: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what research the Department commissioned on the levels of interest rates charges by community development finance institutions supported by the Phoenix Fund; and if he will make a statement.

Alun Michael: The Department commissioned GHK Consultants to undertake a wide-ranging evaluation of the first two rounds of Phoenix Fund support for Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFIs). GHK published its findings and recommendations in May 2004.
	The evaluation looked at many issues facing CDFIs in the provision of debt finance to enterprises in disadvantaged communities. This included the assessment of risk in relation to loan management. (The GHK report can be down-loaded from the "Research and Statistics" (Improving Access to Finance) section of the SBS website at: http://www.sbs.gov.uk).
	Through the Department's core funding of the Community Development Finance Association (CDFA), the trade association for CDFIs, more recent and specific research has been conducted into CDFI interest rates. A summary of this can be found in this year's "Inside Out", the CDFA's report on the industry for 2004. (Copies available through the CDFA website at: http://www.cdfa.org.uk).
	The CDFA's research concluded that CDFI interest rates vary, generally depending on the market being served, client type, loan size and term. Social enterprise lenders continue to operate with the lowest average rates at 9.22 per cent. static and +3.07 per cent. above base rate. A number of CDFIs targeting for-profit micro-enterprises use static rates with an average of 12.95 per cent., with others using variable rates with points above base rate at an average of +4.23 per cent.
	CDFIs serve a diverse range of customers unable to access all the finance they need from more conventional sources and their rates reflect the risks and cost bases of the particular circumstances in which they operate.

Yorkshire and the Humber

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what public funds have been made available for economic development in the Yorkshire and the Humber region in each of the last three years from (a) national sources and (b) EU funds.

Alun Michael: Figures are grant only to avoid double counting of match funding as many of the projects used other national funds as match funding.
	European funding works on calendar years.
	
		
			  2002 2003 2004 
		
		
			 Objective 1 European Regional Development Fund 28,610,888 66,140,394 77,692,767 
			 Objective 1 European Social Fund 27,372,602 29,370,428 32,980,128 
			 Objective 1 European Agricultural Guidance Guarantee Fund 1,221,622 2,896,258 2,020,678 
			 
			 Funding Stream 2002 2003 2004 
			 Objective 2 European Regional Development Fund 20,884,353 49,670,196 53,432,914 
			 Objective 2 European Social Fund 1,647,367 9,131,799 5,773,713 
			 Objective 3 European Social Fund 21,387,994 22,560,024 27,682,844 
			 URBAN European Regional Development Fund 1,533 816,419 1,660,039 
		
	
	Yorkshire Forward has made available a total of £136.30 million towards economic development in Yorkshire and Humber over the last three years (excluding European funding) Yorkshire Forward works on financial years.
	
		
			  Yorkshire Forward 
		
		
			 2002–03 27,800,000 
			 2003–04 42,600,000 
			 2004–05 65,900,000

CULTURE MEDIA AND SPORT

Correspondence

Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when she will reply to the letters from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton with regard to (a) Tarquin Crirst dated 8 March and (b) Ms Gill Wright dated 30 March.

Tessa Jowell: I replied on 19 May 2005 to my right hon. Friend's letter of 30 March and shall reply shortly to his letter of 8 March.

Gospel Choirs

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what percentage of the Arts Council England's budget was spent on financial support for gospel choirs in the last year for which figures are available.

David Lammy: Arts Council England's total funding for gospel music for the financial year 2004–05 was £879,956 and was allocated through the Grants for the Arts programme. This accounted for 0.76 per cent. of the total amount spent through Grants for the Arts. While the final figure for total Arts Council England spend in 2004–05 has yet to be confirmed officially, we expect it to be around £367 million.
	In addition to this, Youth Music, the national music charity funded by Arts Lottery money, has awarded £2,896,640 to projects that incorporate a gospel singing element since it was launched in 1999.

Licensing Act

Peter Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment she has made of the impact of the Licensing Act 2003 on (a) travelling circuses, (b) village halls and (c) village shops.

James Purnell: The Licensing Act 2003 does not fully come into effect until November 2005. My Department has been working closely with a wide range of stakeholder groups and representatives including:
	(a) The Association of Circus Proprietors of Great Britain, Circus Arts Forum and the Arts Council of England;
	(b) Action with Communities in Rural England;
	(c) Association of Convenience Stores (representing the Rural Shops Alliance).
	We are continuing discussions with these organisations so they can help their sectors adapt to the new licensing system.
	The deregulatory nature of the Act will significantly reduce bureaucracy by combining six existing licensing regimes into one integrated scheme. It is estimated that a total of £1.97 billion will be saved by those affected by the new regime over its first 10 years of operation.
	My Department will continue to discuss relevant issues with affected stakeholder groups as implementation proceeds.

Norfolk Sport

Ian Gibson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much public money has been given to Norfolk Sport in the last five years.

Richard Caborn: The information requested is shown in the following table:
	
		£
		
			  Exchequer Lottery Total 
		
		
			 2000–01 — — 0 
			 2001–02 — 20,000 20,000 
			 2002–03 — 1,026,265 1,026,265 
			 2003–04 10,000 — 10,000 
			 2004–05 (1)112,675 20,000 132,675 
			 Grand total 122,675 1,066,265 1,188,940 
		
	
	(1) The figure £112,675 consisted of grants as follows: £21,775 for Step into Sport, £87,000 for Community Sports Coach Scheme and £3,900 for Club.

Sport UK

Ian Gibson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much public money has been given to Sport UK in the last five years.

Richard Caborn: The information requested in shown in the following table:
	
		£ million
		
			  Exchequer Lottery Total 
		
		
			 2000–01 12.8 (2)24.0 38.1 
			 2001–02 16.8 25.6 42.4 
			 2002–03 16.3 21.4 37.7 
			 2003–04 23.2 20.0 43.2 
			 2004–05 23.1 (3)21.0 49.3 
			 Grand total 92.2 118.5 210.7 
		
	
	(2) £1.3 million relates to additional lottery funding to UK Sport from Sport England.
	(3) £5.2 million relates to additional lottery funding to UK Sport from Sport England.
	Note:
	Figures are rounded to the nearest £0.1 million and include investment earnings on the NLDF balance. The 2004–05 figures is unaudited.

CABINET OFFICE

Office of Public Sector Information

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on the (a) role, (b) function and (c) budget of the Office of Public Sector Information.

Mr. Murphy: The Office of Public Sector Information (OPSI) provides a wide range of services to the public, information industry, government and the wider public sector relating to finding, using, sharing and trading information. OPSI has been formed from the resource of Her Majesty's Stationery Office (HMSO). It has an extended remit to advise on and regulate the operation of the re-use of public sector information. HMSO continues to exist and fulfil its core activities including responsibility for the publication of legislation and the management of Crown copyright operating from within OPSI.
	The OPSI handles a range of information management policy:
	leads on the UK implementation of the European Directive on the re-use of Public Sector Information which will be implemented into UK law on 1 July 2005
	provides an Information Fair Trader Scheme (IFTS) founded on the principles of openness, transparency, fairness, compliance and challenge. This helps re-users of public sector information to know that they will be treated reasonably and fairly by public sector information providers
	provides the Click-Use system for obtaining a licence to re-use Crown copyright material through an online licensing process
	manages the Information Asset Register (IAR) that lists information assets held by the UK Government with a focus on unpublished material
	provides a secretariat to the Advisory Panel On Public Sector Information (APPSI), which advises Ministers on how best to encourage the re-use of public sector information
	The net budget for OPSI for 2005–06 is £2,014,616 which represents an increase of 3 per cent. over the costs of HMSO during 2004–05.

NORTHERN IRELAND

"A Shared Future"

Eddie McGrady: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the implementation of the document "A Shared Future".

Angela Smith: "A Shared Future—The Policy and Strategic Framework for Good Relations in Northern Ireland", was launched on 21 March 2005 by way of a Written Ministerial Statement.
	My hon. Friend the Minister of State for Northern Ireland, Lord Rooker, will be taking forward the implementation of the policy through the publication of the triennial action plan. This is scheduled to be launched in the autumn.

Costello Report

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many letters (a) supporting and (b) opposing the findings of the Costello Report have been received by his Department; how many can be identified as pro forma letters in each case; and whether each pro forma letter received by his Department is treated as a single letter of support or opposition.

Angela Smith: The Department has received over 200 letters on the new Post-Primary arrangements since the publication of the Report of the Post-Primary Review Working Group on 26 January 2004. It would not be appropriate to record these letters on the basis of whether they are supportive of or opposed to the new arrangements, due to the complexity of the various issues involved. The Department is aware of a number of letter writing campaigns. However, each letter is dealt with and responded to individually.

Domestic Rates

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the Government will publish their recommendations on domestic rates reform.

Angela Smith: A report was published on 23 March setting out the consultation outcomes and next steps for reform of the domestic rating system in Northern Ireland. A copy of this report is available in the Library.

WORK AND PENSIONS

Benefit Payment

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what his Department's policy is towards publicising methods of paying benefits that do not require the recipient to hold a bank or similar account.

James Plaskitt: Direct payment into an account is now the normal method of payment for benefits and pensions, with more than 95 per cent. of customers being paid this way. Direct payment is a modern, secure and efficient way of making payments. It gives customers more choice and security and the taxpayer better value for money.
	We have always recognised that there are a small number of customers who we cannot pay into an account. These customers are paid by cheque, which they can cash at the Post Office. While cheque payments are a suitable way of paying those people who genuinely cannot operate any sort of account, we do not believe they are appropriate for the vast majority of our customers (over 90 per cent. of whom have access to an account suitable for direct payment).
	Customers are provided with all the information they need to choose the account which best meets their needs and circumstances. Those customers who do not think they can use an account are asked to contact the Department, where they can be given further advice and support.

Incapacity Benefit

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions by what date the Government expect to meet their target to reduce the number of people on incapacity benefits by 1 million; and if he will make a statement.

Margaret Hodge: Reducing the numbers of people on incapacity benefits by 1 million is a challenging and long-term aspiration. The Department is preparing proposals to support this aspiration and intend to publish a Green Paper shortly.
	The Department has already made progress with existing policies and since 1997:
	new claims are down by 30 per cent.;
	growth in the case load has slowed significantly; and
	in the last year, the caseload has stabilised with a statistically significant fall of 22,000 in the year to November 2004.
	Further progress will require continued macroeconomic stability and further radical welfare reform to build on the success achieved to date.

Incapacity Benefit

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he will publish his proposals for reform of incapacity benefits; and if he will make a statement.

Margaret Hodge: We plan to publish a Green Paper setting out our proposals for incapacity benefit reform shortly.

Pathways to Work

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether he will make a statement on the Pathways to Work pilots; by what date the schemes will be rolled out to cover (a) one-third and (b) the whole country; and if he will make a statement.

Margaret Hodge: Our Pathways to Work pilots aim to improve opportunities for people on incapacity benefits to get back to work by offering intensive help and support to address personal, health, employment and financial barriers to working, through a balance of rights and responsibilities.
	The early successes of the pilots have encouraged us to go further. From October this year we will extend the pilots in three phases to cover one third of the country to be completed by October 2006. Further expansion to the whole country is dependent on additional resources being made available.

Work Experience

Tim Boswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment his Department has made of the need for greater flexibility in the operation of the rule preserving benefits for two weeks of work experience.

James Plaskitt: holding answer 24 May 2005
	To introduce greater flexibility, the Department introduced work trials to help people move into work by giving them the opportunity of trying out a job while remaining on benefit. With some exceptions, they are open to people unemployed for six months or more and claiming a qualifying benefit such as jobseeker's allowance. A work trial allows a jobseeker to check whether a job is likely to work out before leaving the security of benefit. It also gives employers the opportunity to test a person's suitability for a job. A trial can last up to 15 working days for jobs of 16 hours or more a week and which are expected to last for at least 13 weeks.

HEALTH

Diagnostic and Treatment Centres (Private)

Frank Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what restrictions she intends to place on the recruitment of staff from the NHS by the private diagnostic and treatment centres which she has recently announced.

Liam Byrne: holding answer 23 May 2005
	For the first wave of our independent sector procurement programme we applied a policy of strict additionality to all contracts. This prevented independent sector providers from recruiting any staff who had worked in the national health service within the last six months. For the next phase of our procurement we are currently finalising the contract terms which will include appropriate additionality arrangements.

Health Service Expenditure

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the total (a) hospital expenditure, (b) expenditure on community services, (c) expenditure on ambulance services and (d) total hospital and community health services expenditure was in each year since 1990–91 in (i) nominal terms and (ii) real terms.

Liam Byrne: Information on the expenditure on hospital and community services in England has been provided previously. I refer the hon. Member to the replies given by my right hon. Friend the Member for Barrow and Furness (Mr. Hutton), on 9 March 2005, Official Report, columns 1911–12W and 18 March 2005, Official Report, columns 518–19W.
	Expenditure figures for ambulance services expenditure are obtained from the financial returns of the service providers and are shown in the table.
	It is not possible to provide comparable figures prior to 1996–97 and 2003–04 is the latest year for which data is available.
	
		Expenditure by national health service ambulance trusts
		
			 £000 
			  Expenditure on ambulance services in nominal terms Expenditure on ambulance services in cash terms 
		
		
			 1996–97 711,530 598,738 
			 1997–98 715,050 617,138 
			 1998–99 738,259 655,530 
			 1999–2000 781,544 709,103 
			 2000–01 880,095 807,786 
			 2001–02 989,773 931,574 
			 2002–03 1,119,157 1,088,805 
			 2003–04 1,175,965 1,175,965 
		
	
	Sources:
	Annual financial returns of NHS trusts 1996–97 to 2003–04.
	Her Majesty's Treasury gross domestic product deflator.

Heatwave Plan

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many finished consultant episodes of care have had as their primary diagnosis (a) sunburn, (b) heatstroke and sunstroke and (c) other hot weather-related diagnoses in each year since 1991.

Caroline Flint: The information requested is shown in the table.
	
		Count of finished consultant episodes (FCEs) for selected diagnoses(4), national health service hospitals, England 1995–96 to 2003–04
		
			  Sunburn Heatstroke and sunstroke Other hot weather-related diagnoses 
		
		
			 1995–96 156 201 40 
			 1996–97 90 114 41 
			 1997–98 101 136 38 
			 1998–99 64 106 29 
			 1999–2000 115 145 46 
			 2000–01 89 112 34 
			 2001–02 93 120 43 
			 2002–03 67 62 33 
			 2003–04 91 159 38 
		
	
	(4) Selected diagnoses:
	(a) Sunburn defined as the following ICD-10 codes in primary diagnosis:
	L55.0 Sunburn of first degree
	L55.1 Sunburn of second degree
	L55.2 Sunburn of third degree
	L55.8 Other sunburn
	L55.9 Sunburn, unspecified
	(b) Heatstroke and Sunstroke defined as the following ICD-10 codes in primary diagnosis :
	T67.0 Heatstroke and sunstroke
	T67.1 Heat syncope
	T67.2 Heat cramp
	T67.3 Heat exhaustion, anhydrotic
	T67.4 Heat exhaustion due to salt depletion
	T67.5 Heat exhaustion, unspecified
	T67.6 Heat fatigue, transient
	T67.7 Heat oedema
	T67.8 Other effects of heat and light
	T67.9 Effect of heat and light, unspecified
	(c) Other hot weather-related diagnoses defined as the following ICD-10 codes in primary diagnosis:
	L59.0 Erythema ab igne [dermatitis ab igne]
	L74.0 Miliaria rubra (prickly heat)
	Notes:
	1. A FCE is defined as a period of admitted patient care under one consultant within one healthcare provider. Please note that the figures do not represent the number of patients, as a person may have more than one episode of care within the year.
	2. The primary diagnosis is the first of up to 14 (seven prior to 2002–03) diagnosis fields in the hospital episode statistics (HES) data set and provides the main reason why the patient was in hospital.
	3. Figures are grossed for both coverage and missing/invalid clinical data, except for 2002–03 and 2003–04, which are not yet adjusted for shortfalls.
	Source:
	HES, Health and Social Care Information Centre.

Hospital Site Sales

Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  when she expects the sale of the former Severalls hospital site at Colchester to be completed; and what the reasons are for the length of time taken;
	(2)  when she expects the sale of the former Turner Village hospital site at Colchester to be completed.

Jane Kennedy: Part of the Severalls hospital site in the ownership of the Secretary of State for Health was transferred to English Partnerships on 6 April 2005, as part of a wider agreement with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. Part of the Turner Village hospital site that is no longer required for national health service use will also be transferred. This transfer is expected to be completed shortly and the future of the site will then be the responsibility of English Partnerships.
	English Partnerships will be working with North Essex Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust and Colchester borough council in order to bring the Severalls hospital site to market. The timetable reflects the complex redevelopment issues affecting this land.

Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil

Mr. Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research she has commissioned on the effects on human health of hydrogenated vegetable oil; and if she will make a statement.

Caroline Flint: The Government are concerned about the possible health effects, in particular on coronary health, from consuming certain fats. The Government as part of delivering its "Choosing Health" White Paper is developing a strategy for tackling fat intakes, which will include opportunities to reduce intakes of both saturated and "trans" fatty acids. There are currently no plans to commission research on the health effects of consuming hydrogenated vegetable oil.

MRSA

Anthony Steen: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many cases of MRSA have been identified in hospitals in (a) England and (b) Devon in each of the last five years; and what guidance the Department has issued to (i) staff and (ii) visitors to reduce levels of MRSA.

Jane Kennedy: holding answer 23 May 2005
	The Department has issued a number of guidance documents, available on the Department's website, which are relevant to the control of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Key documents include, "Winning Ways—Working together to reduce Healthcare Associated Infection in England", "The epic project: developing national evidence-based guidelines for preventing healthcare associated infection; Phase 1: guidelines for preventing hospital-acquired infections", and the "National Institute for Clinical Excellence, Infection Control: prevention of healthcare associated infection in primary and community care".
	The Department does not provide information for visitors, but the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidelines provide information on advising patients, their carers and the public. The Department has also produced a generic toolkit for creating patient information. This is available in the Library and is also available on the internet at http://www.nhsidentity.nhs.uk/patientinformationtoolkit/.
	The Department's mandatory surveillance system for MRSA blood stream infections in acute trusts in England began in April 2001. The information requested is shown in the table.
	
		MRSA blood stream infections: mandatory surveillance scheme, April 2001 to September 2004
		
			  Number of MRSA bacteraemia acute trusts, England Number of MRSA bacteraemia acute trusts, Devon 
		
		
			 April-March   
			 2001–02 7,249 181 
			 2002–03 7,373 159 
			 2003–04 7,684 199 
			 April-September 2004 3,519 87 
			 Total (1 April 2001 to  September 2004) 25,825 626

NHS Direct

Frank Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether NHS Direct is to be franchised out to the private sector.

Liam Byrne: holding answer 23 May 2005
	The Department does not have any plans to franchise NHS Direct to the private sector. A new organisational form for NHS Direct is being sought as part of the Department's review of arm's length bodies, of which NHS Direct is one. This will meet the needs of patients and the national health service.

NHS Staff (Assaults)

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many reported violent incidents against NHS staff there were in (a) England, (b) each strategic health authority area, (c) each NHS trust and (d) each primary care trust, in each year since 1997.

Jane Kennedy: The information requested was not collated centrally for the period 1997–99.
	Reported violent or abusive incidents for 2000–01, 2001–02 and 2002–03 are shown in the following table.
	
		
			  2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 
		
		
			 England 84,214 112,000 116,000 
			 National health service trust 83,058 106,000 94,000 
			 Primary care trust (PCT) — 6,000 21,000 
		
	
	Source:
	Department of Health.
	There are no published figures for strategic health authorities (SHAs).
	The total figures for England differ from those by NHS trust and PCT, as these have been estimated and rounded to take into account nil returns.
	A new national reporting system for physical assaults against NHS staff has been put in place. Information from this reporting system is expected to be available from summer 2005.
	A table outlining the estimated number of reported violent incidents for 2000–01, 2001–02, 2002–03 for each SHA, NHS trust and PCT in England has been placed in the Library.

NHS Staffing

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps the NHS takes to ensure the maintenance of adequate staffing levels.

Liam Byrne: The national health service ensures the maintenance of adequate staffing levels through local delivery plans. "Delivering the NHS Improvement Plan: the Workforce Contribution" highlights strategic workforce issues, which primary care trusts and strategic health authorities are asked to ensure are considered in their local delivery plans. This includes maintaining adequate staffing levels as well as achieving greater productivity.

Scottish Medicines Consortium

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether appraisals completed by the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) are considered by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) as evidence for the cost-and-clinical efficacy of a treatment; and whether approval of a treatment by the SMC which has not previously been approved by NICE can be used to fast-track the NICE appraisal so that the treatment can be recommended for use across England.

Jane Kennedy: The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) considers the full range of available evidence when conducting its technology appraisals. This is very likely to include evidence that has been considered by the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC).
	The prior consideration of a treatment by the SMC does not in itself affect the process by which NICE conducts an appraisal.

Trafford Diagnostic and Treatment Centre

Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many operations have been carried out at the Trafford Diagnostic and Treatment Centre since its opening; and what the unit cost has been.

Liam Byrne: holding answer 24 May 2005
	The Greater Manchester Surgical Centre began seeing patients on 9 May 2005 for pre-operative assessments. It carried out its first surgical list on 18 May.

Waiting Time Targets

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether the Department has agreed local delivery plans with strategic health authorities to monitor waiting times for diagnostic tests; and if she will make a statement.

Liam Byrne: The Department expects to agree local delivery plans with strategic health authorities in June 2005.

TRANSPORT

Aircraft Noise

Julian Brazier: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he has taken to measure trends in numbers of complaints related to aircraft noise at the UK's major airports; whether the Government have commenced implementation of EU Directive 2002/49/EC on noise mapping; and what measures the Government introduced to promote research and development into new low noise engine and airframe technologies.

Karen Buck: Operational noise complaints (as distinct from representations about policy) are properly a matter for individual airports, many of which regularly publish their own summary statistics of complaints or enquiries. Any complaints received by the CAA or DfT are referred back to them. We do not operate a "complaints database". EU Directive 2002/49/EC relating to the assessment and management of environmental noise is being implemented separately in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Public consultation has occurred or is on-going in all the Administrations. It is expected that regulations will be in force early next year, whereupon noise mapping will commence to meet the requirements of the directive.
	The Government's commitment to supporting technological developments to address the environmental impact of air transport is recorded in The Future of Air Transport White Paper. The Government, in conjunction with the industry, have adopted stretching European targets (from the EC Advisory Council for Aerospace Research in Europe) for environmental performance of new aircraft and engines by 2020. We continue to maintain pressure for technological development through national strategy research support and through work in international fora.

Branch Line Rolling Stock

Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what evaluation he has made of the reliability and quality of rolling stock on smaller branch lines.

Derek Twigg: pursuant to the reply, 24 May 2005, Official Report, c. 553
	We monitor rolling stock reliability on all routes, including branch lines, to ensure that train reliability improvements play their part in achieving our target of 85 per cent. on-time performance across the network by 2006 with further improvements by 2008.

Bypasses

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on his policy on the construction of bypasses; and which areas have submitted (a) proposals and (b) objections to proposals to him since 1997.

Stephen Ladyman: The Government recognise the important role that bypasses can play in helping to reduce the volume of traffic passing through towns and villages and improving the quality of life for residents by relieving congestion, improving air quality and pedestrian safety, decreasing traffic noise and in some cases re-uniting severed communities. The programme of road schemes being taken forward by the Highways Agency and local authorities includes a number of bypass schemes which will bring real benefits to the communities that they relieve.
	Between 1 January 1997 and 31 March 2005, the Secretary of State determined scheme orders for 45 bypasses which were submitted by local highway authorities to him for confirmation. These can be split into the following areas:
	South-east (3),
	South-west (4),
	East Midlands (9),
	West Midlands (11), Eastern (7),
	North-west (3),
	North-east (5), and
	Yorks and Humber (3).
	Of the 45, 38 were opposed and seven unopposed.

East Coast Route

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the level of capacity on the East Coast route between Kings Cross and Thirsk.

Derek Twigg: Route capacity is dependent on a combination of train service pattern, type and speed. At the operational level, it is for Network Rail to allocate capacity under its licence from the Office of Rail Regulation, which regulates track access for existing and would-be operators. The Strategic Rail Authority has been considering the medium-term availability of capacity on the East Coast route and plan to publish a report summarising the work to date when responsibility for rail strategy transfers to the Department for Transport in late June.

East Midlands Airport

David Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent representations he has received regarding the proposed development of facilities at Nottingham East Midlands airport.

Karen Buck: None in recent months. The airport operator is currently preparing its master plan document, which will include an indication of its future development proposals. I understand that consultation on the draft master plan is to take place during the summer.

EU Committees

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many times during the (a) Italian, (b) Irish and (c) Dutch presidency of the EU the (i) Committee for the establishment of conditions for the interoperability of the trans-European high-speed rail system, (ii) Committee on the adaptation to scientific and technical progress of legislation concerning the transport of dangerous goods and (iii) Committee for the adaptation to technical progress of recording equipment in road transport (tachographs) met; when and where these meetings took place; what UK Government expert was present; and if he will make a statement.

Stephen Ladyman: The information requested is as follows:
	(i) During the period in question, there were seven meetings of this Committee, held in Brussels, in October and December 2003, and in March, April, July, November and December 2004. The meetings were all attended by the Director, European Technical, SRA, supported where necessary by one other person from the UK industry or Government.
	(ii) This Committee met in November 2003, April 2004 and November 2004 in Brussels. The Department for Transport was represented by officials of its dangerous goods branch.
	(iii) There were no meetings of this Committee during the period in question.

EU Committees

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many times during the (a) Italian, (b) Irish and (c) Dutch presidency of the EU the (i) Committee on the harmonisation of technical requirements and administrative procedures in the field of civil aviation and (ii) Committee on application of the legislation on access to the groundhandling market at community airports met; when and where these meetings took place; what Government expert was present; and if he will make a statement.

Stephen Ladyman: There were no meetings of either of these Committees during the period in question.

EU Committees

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many times during the (a) Italian, (b) Irish and (c) Dutch presidency of the EU the (i) Committee on the driving licence met, (ii) Advisory Committee on access for Community air carriers to intra-community air routes and (iii) Advisory Committee on the definition and use of compatible technical and operating standards and specifications for the procurement of air-traffic management equipment and systems met; when and where these meetings took place; what UK Government expert was present; and if he will make a statement.

Stephen Ladyman: The information requested is as follows:
	(i) This Committee met four times during the period in question in Brussels, in July 2003, November 2003, March 2004 and November 2004. Officials from the Licensing, Roadworthiness and Insurance Division of the Department for Transport, and from the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) and the Driver and vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) attended as necessary.
	(ii) This Committee met once during the period in question, in Brussels. The Department for Transport was not represented.
	(iii) There were no meetings of this Committee during the period in question.

EU Committees

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many times during the (a) Italian, (b) Irish and (c) Dutch presidency of the EU the (i) Committee on implementation of Protocol 9 to the Act of Austria concerning transport by road and rail and combined transport (Ecopoints), (ii) Committee for the adaptation to technical progress of roadworthiness tests of vehicles and (iii) Committee for a transparent system of harmonised rules for restrictions on heavy goods vehicles involved in international transport on designated roads met; when and where these meetings took place; what UK Government expert was present; and if he will make a statement.

Stephen Ladyman: The information requested is as follows:
	(i) This Committee met on one occasion during the period in question, in September 2003 in Brussels. The Department for Transport was represented by an official of its Road Freight Operations Policy Division.
	(ii) This Committee met in July 2003. The Department for Transport was represented by an official from its Licensing, Roadworthiness and Insurance Division. An advisor from the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) also attended.
	(iii) There were no meetings of this Committee during the period in question.

EU Discussions

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list items of legislation within his responsibilities that are being discussed at European Union level.

Stephen Ladyman: The following legislative proposals, within the responsibility of the Secretary of State, are currently being discussed under the co-decision process:
	Amended proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Council Regulation (EEC) No. 3922/91 on the harmonisation of technical requirements and administrative procedures in the field of civil aviation (EU-OPS)
	Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on a Community Air Traffic Controller Licence
	Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the rights of persons with reduced mobility when travelling by air
	Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the information of air transport passengers on the identity of the operating carrier and on communication of safety information by member states
	Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the implementation of the International Safety Management Code (ISM Code) within the Community
	Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the recognition of seafarers' certificates issued by the member states and amending Directive 2001/25/EC
	Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on ship-source pollution and on the introduction of sanctions for infringements
	Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on harmonised River Traffic Information Services on inland waterways in the Community
	Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 82/714/EEC of 4 October 1982 laying down technical requirements for inland waterway vessels
	Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Council Directive 91/440/EEC on the development of the Community's railways
	Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the certification of train crews operating locomotives and trains on the Community's rail network
	Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on International Rail Passengers' Rights and Obligations
	Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on compensation in cases of non-compliance with contractual quality requirements for rail freight services
	Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on driving licences
	Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the harmonisation of certain social legislation relating to road transport and amending Council Regulations (EEC) No. 3821/85 and (EC) No. 2135/98
	Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on minimum conditions for the implementation of Council Directive 2002/15/EC and of Council Regulations (EEC) Nos. 3820/85 and 3821/85 concerning social legislation relating to road transport activities
	Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 1999/62/EC on the charging of heavy goods vehicles for the use of certain infrastructures (Eurovignette)
	Proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on market access to port services
	Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the second "Marco Polo" programme for the granting of Community financial assistance to improve the environmental performance of the freight transport system ("Marco Polo II")
	Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and the Council on the implementation of the deployment and commercial operating phases of the European programme of satellite radionavigation.

EU Working Groups

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list European Union working groups to which his Department sends representatives.

Stephen Ladyman: Officials of the Department for Transport attend meetings of the following Council Working Groups:
	Land Transport
	Aviation
	Maritime Transport
	Transport (Intermodal Questions)
	Technical Harmonisation (Motor vehicles)

Graffiti (Motorway Bridges)

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on his policy on the removal of graffiti from motorway bridges.

Stephen Ladyman: The removal of graffiti from motorway bridges is the responsibility of the Highways Agency. The agency's contractors make daily patrols to assess the problem and any obscene, blasphemous or offensive material is removed as soon as practicable after it has been observed. Non-contentious graffiti is removed at 12 month intervals or in combination with other work, where appropriate.
	Where graffiti is persistent and widespread in environmentally sensitive areas, consideration is given to alternative solutions, other than frequent removal or obliteration. Possible strategies include involving local schools to raise awareness of the socially unacceptable nature of graffiti, and engaging with Neighbourhood Watch, local councils and the police more effectively in preventing graffiti. Physical measures include the use of anti-graffiti coatings.

Motorways

Mr. Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many miles of motorway have been constructed in England and Wales since 1998; and at which locations.

Stephen Ladyman: My Department holds the information for England only. The following table shows changes in the length of motorways in England that have been constructed since 1998. This excludes roads that have been reclassified as motorways and motorway widening schemes:
	
		
			  Miles added Details of change 
		
		
			 1999 9.9 The northern end of the M1 was extended to link up with the A1(M), in the metropolitan borough of Leeds city council 
			
			 2001 9.5 A new 9.5 mile stretch of the M60 was opened. This section of road (connecting junctions 18 to 24 of the M60) passes through the Greater Manchester metropolitan borough councils of Thameside, Oldham, Manchester city and Bury 
			
			 2003 27 The M6 toll road opened. It runs to the north east of Birmingham, providing an alternative route to the M6 between Junction 4 and Junction 11

North East Regional Transport Board

Peter Atkinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the Regional Transport Board for the North East of England will be set up.

Karen Buck: In the consultation document "Devolving decision making: a consultation on regional funding allocations" the Government indicated that they do not intend to prescribe how regions should coordinate and prepare advice on regional priorities. It will be for regional bodies in the North East of England to decide if they wish to establish a Regional Transport Board or make other arrangements. In reaching their views, regions will be able to draw on the experience of the experimental transport boards which were established in the South East and Yorkshire and Humberside last year.

Overseas Drivers

Tim Boswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what action he is taking to improve enforcement procedures against overseas drivers who infringe British traffic laws.

Stephen Ladyman: The Government are strengthening the enforcement of the law against overseas drivers. The Road Safety Bill, introduced into Parliament on Tuesday 24 May, includes provisions designed to make it easier to take action against drivers who do not have a licence counterpart, which includes most foreign licence holders, by allowing enforcers to issue them with fixed penalty notices in respect of endorsable offences. At present they can only be dealt with by a court. We also propose to introduce a scheme of financial deposits in lieu of fixed penalties where a traffic offender cannot provide a verifiable United Kingdom address.
	A Framework Decision under Article 31 of the Treaty of the European Union for the mutual recognition of financial penalties has also now been adopted, and provides for the transmission between member states of fines imposed on foreign drivers and the mutual enforcement of such fines in the relevant member state.

Road Congestion/Construction

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the levels of (a) motorway and (b) trunk road congestion were in each year since 1997.

Stephen Ladyman: The measure that has been used is derived from comparing actual traffic speeds with those that would be achievable in the absence of congestion. Full details of the methodology are available on the Department's website at www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft transstats/documents/page/dft transstats 021863.pdf
	Under this measure, the estimated average congestion vehicle delay in 2000 in England was 3.8 seconds lost per vehicle kilometre (sec/vkm) on motorways, 4.5 sec/vkm on dual carriageway A roads and 4.7 sec/vkm on single carriageway A roads.
	These are the latest figures currently available. The Department is currently developing new, more detailed data sources and new measures of traffic congestion which will provide the basis for new targets to be set in July 2005.

Road Congestion/Construction

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list (a) historical and (b) archaeological sites that have been subject to (i) appeals against road construction and (ii) emergency excavation in road construction since 1997; and if he will list those where the road encroachment was authorised.

Stephen Ladyman: There are no historical or archaeological sites on the motorway and trunk road network that have been subject to appeals against road construction or emergency excavation since 1997. Local roads are the responsibility of the respective local highway authority and we, therefore, do not retain records of this nature.

Speeding

Mr. Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which counties in England and Wales do not offer motorists caught speeding the option of taking a speed awareness course; what plans he has to increase the availability of such courses; and if he will make a statement.

Stephen Ladyman: The eight police forces in England listed as follows currently run speed awareness courses, offering them to drivers where they judge this to be an appropriate alternative to prosecution. The Association of Chief Police Officers is putting in place arrangements for a national programme, including guidance to ensure consistent and rigorous standards, and plans to launch this initiative later in the year. The Government welcome this move, which will help make drivers more aware of speed and its effects, rather than simply punishing them.
	Lancashire
	Staffordshire
	Humberside
	Gloucestershire
	Northamptonshire
	Lincolnshire
	Thames Valley
	Avon and Somerset

Temporary Speed Limits

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which organisation has responsibility for determining temporary speed limits in the event of a motorway accident; at what level of seniority in that organisation the decision is made; what monitoring is undertaken by his Department of the level at which such limits are set and the duration for which they apply; and if he will make a statement.

Stephen Ladyman: In the event of a motorway accident the responsibility for determining temporary speed limits lies with the police. Temporary speed limits are normally set by the police control room but these speed limits, which are in any case advisory, are able to be changed by the senior officer at the scene of the accident, who may request that control room staff alter speed limits. On the M25 between junctions 10 and 16 the temporary speed limit signs are set automatically in response to sensors in the road which detect traffic speed. The signs, on this section of controlled motorway, are mandatory. Data on the level at which speed limits are set and the duration for which they are applied are recorded and available.

Thameslink

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the future of Thameslink 2000.

Derek Twigg: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for North Southwark and Bermondsey (Simon Hughes) on 23 May 2005, Official Report, column 12W.

Thameslink

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the future franchise for Thameslink services serving Mill Hill and Hendon.

Derek Twigg: Shortlisted bidders for the replacement Thameslink and Greater Northern franchise were announced on 1 April 2005. Invitations to Tender will be issued to bidders in June. The strategy for this route was set out in the Midland Main Line Route Utilisation Strategy which was published by the Strategic Rail Authority in March 2004.

Thameslink

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the new timetable for Thameslink services for Mill Hill, with particular reference to the ending of the fast train service from Mill Hill to central London.

Derek Twigg: Thameslink has developed a new summer 2005 timetable that will be introduced in June. I understand that semi-fast trains on the route will stop at Radlett, Elstree and West Hampstead.

UK Merchant Marine

Julian Brazier: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the size of the UK merchant marine was by (a) tonnage and (b) number of ships (i) in the last period for which figures are available and (ii) 20 years ago.

Stephen Ladyman: The tonnage and number of trading vessels of 500 gt and over registered in the UK at the end of 1984 and 2004 were as follows:
	
		
			  End 1984(5) End 2004 
		
		
			 Gross tonnage (thousand) 14,312 10,221 
			 Deadweight tonnage (thousand) 21,970 10,499 
			 Number 777 486 
		
	
	(5) Includes vessels registered in the Crown Dependencies

UK Merchant Marine

Julian Brazier: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many (a) officers and (b) seamen were serving in the merchant marine (i) in the last year for which figures are available and (ii) 20 years ago.

Stephen Ladyman: Estimates of the number of UK merchant navy officers and ratings are as follows:
	
		
			  1984 2004 
		
		
			 Officers 17,000 15,800 
			 Ratings 19,800 9,600 
			 Total 36,800 25,400 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. Officer and ratings estimates comprise deck, engine, technical and hotel/catering grades. Cadets are excluded.
	2. Estimates for 1984 are from the Merchant Navy Establishment register of seafarers. They include some seafarers on the register who were not actively working at sea.
	3. Estimates for 2004 are taken from "UK Seafarer Statistics", published by DfT.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

Burma

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the political situation in Burma.

Ian Pearson: We remain deeply concerned by the situation in Burma, including the terrorist attacks on 7 May in Rangoon which led to at least 19 deaths and many more injured. The EU Troika, including the United Kingdom, expressed concern over the situation in Burma to the Burmese Foreign Minister in Kyoto on 6 May. On 16 May our ambassador in Rangoon drew the attention of the Burmese Foreign Minister to the level of concern in both Houses. We continue to believe that it is essential for the State Peace and Development Council to enter into a genuine and constructive dialogue with Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy, other legitimate representative bodies and the ethnic groups to promote a peaceful, negotiated and democratic solution to the ongoing problems in Burma.

Burma

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the condition of political prisoners and prisoners of conscience held in Burma.

Ian Pearson: The UK and the EU have repeatedly called for the release of all political prisoners in Burma. When the EU Troika, including the United Kingdom, met the Burmese Foreign Minister in Kyoto on 6 May, they handed over a list of 19 political prisoners whose release the EU requested on urgent humanitarian grounds. On 16 May our ambassador in Rangoon reminded the Burmese Foreign Minister of the importance we attach to the release of prisoners on this list, and of the level of concern in both Houses over the situation in Burma and abuse of human rights.
	We are concerned that, despite the release of a few political prisoners in recent months, arrests for political reasons have continued. In particular, we are concerned by the detention in February of a number of Shan leaders including Khun Htun Oo, Sai Nyunt Lwin and Sai Hsoten, who are being tried in secret in Insein Jail, without contact with their families, and who have been unable to appoint a lawyer of their own choosing. Furthermore we are concerned by the arrests during the last two months of elected representatives U Kyaw Hsan, U Kyaw Min, U Saw Hlaing and U Kyaw Khin, since these arrests all appear to be politically motivated.

Burma

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the French Government regarding Total Oil's investment in Burma.

Ian Pearson: There have been no recent ministerial discussions with the French Government on Total Oil's investment in Burma. Our embassy in Paris remains in regular contact with the French Government over the human rights situation in Burma.

Burma

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 
	(1)  what recent discussions have taken place at the United Nations regarding the situation in Burma;
	(2)  if he will make representations for the situation in Burma to be made an agenda item for the next meeting of the UN Security Council.

Ian Pearson: There are regular discussions in the United Nations on the situation in Burma. Most recently, the UK was centrally involved in the EU's negotiation of resolutions on the human rights situation in Burma at last year's UN General Assembly and this year's Commission on Human Rights. Adopted by the UN in December 2004 and March 2005 respectively, these resolutions condemned the many human rights abuses being committed in the country.
	At present, there is no consensus for bringing Burma before the UN Security Council. But there is occasional informal discussion of the situation in Burma among security council members.
	We will remain in close touch with all interested UN member states. We are also in close and frequent contact with the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Burma and his staff.

Burma

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 
	(1)  what discussions he has had with the Government of Burma regarding the use of chemical weapons against Karenni people in eastern Burma;
	(2)  what assessment he has made of reports of the use of chemical weapons by the Burma Army against Karenni people in eastern Burma.

Ian Pearson: Our ambassador in Rangoon raised the allegations of the use of chemical weapons with the Burmese Foreign Minister on 16 May 2005.
	We treat any allegations of chemical weapons use with the utmost concern. We have examined the information that has been seat to us to date to support these recent claims and have also discussed them with international partners, but at this stage we do not believe that there is enough evidence to warrant further action. We continue to follow the situation carefully and remain ready to consider any further evidence.

Burma

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will (a) make representations to ASEAN to strip Burma of its chairmanship, (b) make it his policy not to participate in meetings with ASEAN under Burma's chairmanship and (c) urge ASEAN to suspend Burma.

Ian Pearson: The terms of membership of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and decisions on its chairmanship are internal matters for its members. We are, however, concerned about Burma's forthcoming chairmanship of ASEAN in 2006. This prospect makes the need for change in Burma all the more pressing.
	The UK attends EU-ASEAN meetings as a member of the EU. Decisions on attendance are taken by consensus in the EU. It is too early for the EU to take a decision on the approach it will take in July 2006.
	We will continue to take advantage of our regular bilateral and multilateral contacts with all ASEAN nations to encourage substantive change in Burma; most recently, we did so at the Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM) Foreign Ministers meeting in Kyoto on 6–7 May. We have made clear that we wish to see real progress towards genuine democratisation in Burma, including the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners.

Consultants

Mr. Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which consultants have been employed by his Department in each of the last three years.

Jack Straw: The information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Annual expenditure on external consultants is published in the Department's Annual Reports, copies of which are in the Library of the House. The vast majority of the work undertaken for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office by consultants was associated with our major Information Communication Technology and Estate construction programmes.

Darfur

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made towards encouraging an end to impunity for those committing attacks against humanitarian workers in Darfur.

Ian Pearson: We condemn the recent attacks against humanitarian workers in Darfur. Many of these attacks appear to be the result of opportunistic banditry and general lawlessness. The African Union mission in Darfur has made a positive impact on security in the areas in which it has deployed and we fully support its expansion as the best way of addressing the security situation in Darfur. We continue to make clear to the Government of Sudan that it is their responsibility to provide security for all their people, and to actively pursue those who breach the law. We have made clear to all parties that attacks against humanitarian workers are in violation of international humanitarian law and it is imperative that those responsible are brought to justice. UN Security Council Resolution 1591, adopted on 29 March, allows for sanctions to be brought against those who commit violations of international humanitarian or human rights law or other atrocities. And Resolution 1593, which we sponsored on 31 March, referred the situation in Darfur to the International Criminal Court. Both these Resolutions provide a means towards addressing the impunity which has been prevalent in Darfur to date; we will follow their impact closely.

Darfur

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of reports that the Government of Sudan continues to arm and supply the Janjaweed forces in Darfur.

Ian Pearson: The report of the International Commission of Inquiry stated that, in the past, the Government of Sudan has armed and operated in close co-ordination with a number of militias in Darfur. The latest report by the UN Secretary-General states that the Government of Sudan has made some progress in reining in its allied militias, but has failed to prevent continuing acts of banditry and attacks on civilians by other armed groups. We continue to make clear to the Government of Sudan that it bears the primary responsibility for security in Darfur, and that it must rein in and neutralise these armed militias, as it committed to doing in the Abuja Security Protocol.

Darfur

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the impact of the UN Security Council's referral of the situation in Darfur to the International Criminal Court upon the behaviour of the Government of Sudan.

Ian Pearson: The Government of Sudan appear to be taking the referral of the situation in Darfur to the International Criminal Court (ICC) seriously. Since UN Security Council Resolution 1593 referred the situation in Darfur to the International Criminal Court on 31 March, the UN Secretary-General has concluded, in his monthly report on the situation in Darfur in April, that there were no incidents of regular Government forces attacking either rebel groups or civilians, and that they had made no hostile use of aircraft. We understand that the Government have established a legal committee to study how it can co-operate with the ICC. We continue to press the Government, and all parties in Sudan, to address the problems within their own judicial system; to co-operate fully with the ICC; and to ensure that those responsible for crimes in Darfur are brought to justice.

Darfur

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of reports of a substantial military build-up by the Sudan government in West Darfur.

Ian Pearson: The seasonal movement of cattle along established migratory routes is traditionally a cause of heightened tensions and insecurity in Darfur. The UN reports that both the Government of Sudan and the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army are making efforts to address the issue of migration and we understand that the Government of Sudan has increased the presence of Sudanese armed forces and police in and around the migration routes. There are no reports of trouble arising from the increased force presence and herders appear to be using the migration routes without problem so far.

Darfur

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of when the African Union will be able to deploy a force of 7,000 to Darfur.

Ian Pearson: At its 28 April meeting, the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council decided to expand its monitoring mission in Darfur to over 7,700 personnel, including 1,560 civilian police. We welcome this decision, and have made clear our willingness to support the AU in undertaking it. The AU plans to carry out a staged deployment into all eight sectors, with a view to full deployment by the end of September.

Darfur

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the current size of the African Union force in Darfur.

Ian Pearson: There are currently over 2,500 African Union personnel deployed in Darfur, out of a planned total of 3,320. The majority of the shortfall is in numbers of civilian police. We are working to support the African Union in getting this phase of the mission deployed and fully operational as quickly as possible, ahead of the planned expansion to over 7,700 personnel by the end of September.

Darfur

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the death toll, including deaths as a result of violence, in Darfur.

Ian Pearson: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Stroud (Mr. Drew) on 24 May 2005, Official Report, column 68W.

Northern Cyprus

Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had on the lifting of import duties on goods exported to other parts of the EU from Northern Cyprus; and if he will make a statement.

Douglas Alexander: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary's recent discussions on trade with north Cyprus have been in the context of the determination, as set out by EU Foreign Ministers at the General Affairs and External Relations Council on 26 April 2004, to end the isolation of the Turkish Cypriot community.
	This commitment is embodied in two proposed regulations. The first would enable the disbursal of €259 million aid for north Cyprus. The second would enable preferential direct trade between north Cyprus and the rest of the EU. The Government discusses these proposals regularly at senior official level with EU partners, the Commission and parties on the island, and the Foreign Secretary last discussed ending the isolation of the north with the Turkish Foreign Minister in March. The EU has yet to reach agreement on these regulations.
	The Government believe that direct trade will reduce the economic disparity between the north and south of the island and will help the Turkish Cypriots to raise standards towards EU norms. Narrowing the economic divide between the north and south will remove a major obstacle to a future settlement to the Cyprus problem. We therefore call upon all EU partners and the Commission to co-operate to find a way to fulfil the EU's commitment to end the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots.

Sudan (Peace Talks)

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Sudan regarding the forthcoming peace talks in Abuja.

Ian Pearson: A regional Heads of State Summit on Darfur held in Libya on 16–17 May announced that the talks would restart in Abuja by 1 June. However, the rebels were not present at that summit, and their agreement to this date is not yet clear. We have made regular representations to the Government of Sudan about the need to engage fully and at a high level at the next round of the Abuja peace talks. We continue to press the Government on the need to fully abide by their commitments under the existing Abuja agreements. A UK representative will attend the talks and offer support to the African Union mediators.

CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS

E-government

Mr. Prentice: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs if she will make it her policy for all legislation for which her Department has responsibility to be available online.

Harriet Harman: It is my Department's policy to make all relevant information available via its website as a matter of course unless that information should more correctly be published elsewhere online. For example, Acts of Parliament are published by HMSO. In these latter cases, my Department's policy is to provide links from its website to the information.

General Election (Costs)

Oliver Heald: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what the estimated cost was to public funds of administering the general election in 2005.

Harriet Harman: We estimate that the cost to the consolidated fund of administering the 2005 general election in England and Wales will be approximately £71 million. Of this, £43 million will cover the costs of returning officers and £28 million will cover the costs of the delivery of candidates' election communications.

International Private Law

John Hayes: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs if she will make a statement on the Government's policy on the accession of the EU to the Hague Conference on International Private Law.

Harriet Harman: The Government supports the application by the European Community to become a full member of the Hague Conference on Private International Law. This reflects the increasing amount of Community law in this field and the need to ensure that the Community continues to play a full and constructive role in the work of the Conference. The United Kingdom's support for this application is consistent with our support for the Conference and the valuable work which it undertakes. There have already been encouraging negotiations on this matter in the Hague; these will be resumed at a further meeting in June at which the Government hopes that they will be successfully concluded.

Marked Electoral Registers

Graham Allen: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs if she will take steps to ensure that hon. Members can receive an electronic copy of the marked electoral register for their constituency.

Harriet Harman: Access to the marked electoral registers is the responsibility of the Clerk of the Crown. The marked register which is made available for inspection or copying is the paper copy of the register kept at the polling station, and marked by polling station staff. No electronic copies are compiled, and we have no current plans to provide for it. Paper copies may be purchased, as has been the case in previous elections.

Parliamentary Campaigns (Use of Children)

Mr. Prentice: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs if she will bring forward legislative proposals to make it an offence for candidates for parliamentary elections to use children in their election addresses where the children are shown wearing uniforms of schools they do not attend and where the school in question has not given permission.

Harriet Harman: The Government have no plans to introduce legislation covering these specific circumstances. Section 91 of the Representation of the People Act 1983, currently provides that material used in election addresses should relate to the election only. The Government believe that the Representation of the People Act 1983, along with the existing laws governing publications and copyright already cover possible complaints about the contents of election addresses. As a matter of principle, the Government do not believe that it would be appropriate to prescribe too closely what candidates may or may not include in their election communications.

Rape Trials

Vera Baird: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs which judges are ticketed to try rape on the south eastern circuit.

Harriet Harman: The following circuit judges on the south eastern circuit are ticketed to try rape:
	His Hon Judge Michael Addison
	His Hon Judge Peter Ader
	His Hon Judge John Altman
	His Hon Judge Anthony Ansell
	Her Hon Judge Shirley Anwyl QC
	His Hon Judge Edward Bailey
	His Hon Judge Christopher Ball
	His Hon Judge Anthony Balston
	His Hon Judge Simon Barham
	His Hon Judge Brian Barker QC
	Her Hon Judge Shani Barnes
	His Hon Judge Robin Barratt
	Recorder of London
	Peter Beaumont QC
	His Hon Judge John Bevan QC
	Her Hon Judge Christian Bevington
	His Hon Judge Inigo Bing
	His Hon Judge Martin Binning Esq
	His Hon Judge Henry Blacksell QC
	His Hon Judge Graham Boal QC
	His Hon Judge Geoffrey Breen
	His Hon Judge Richard Brown
	His Hon Judge John Bull QC
	His Hon Judge Jeffrey Burke QC
	Her Hon Judge Lindsay Burn
	His Hon Judge Charles Byers
	His Hon Judge Andrew Campbell
	His Hon Judge Quentin Campbell
	His Hon Judge Jeremy Carey
	His Hon Judge Michael Carroll
	Her Hon Judge Marie Catterson
	His Hon Judge Roger Chappie
	His Hon Judge Philip Clegg
	His Hon Judge Nicholas Coleman
	His Hon Judge Helzet Colgan
	His Hon Judge Paul Collins
	His Hon Judge Simon Coltart
	His Hon Judge Christopher Compston
	His Hon Judge Roger Connor
	His Hon Judge Peter Copley
	His Hon Judge Thomas Corrie
	His Hon Judge Seddon Cripps
	His Hon Judge Christopher Critchlow
	His Hon Judge John Crocker
	His Hon Judge Philip Curl
	His Hon Judge Patricia Dangor
	His Hon Judge Peter de Mille
	His Hon Judge John Devaux
	His Hon Judge Paul Dodgson
	His Hon Judge Paul Downes
	His Hon Judge Hubert Dunn QC
	His Hon Judge David Ellis
	His Hon Judge Charles Elly
	His Hon Judge Christopher Elwen
	His Hon Judge Fabyan Evans
	Her Hon Judge Diana Faber
	His Hon Judge Michael Findlay Baker QC
	His Hon Judge Paul Focke QC
	His Hon Judge Giles Forrester
	Her Hon Judge Dawn Freedman
	Her Hon Judge Ann Goddard QC
	His Hon Judge Gerald Gordon
	His Hon Judge Joseph Gosschalk
	His Hon Judge Andrew Goymer
	His Hon Judge Charles Gratwicke
	His Hon Judge Alan Greenwood
	His Hon Judge Peter Grobel
	His Hon Judge Julian Hall
	Her Hon Judge Susan Hamilton QC
	His Hon Judge Robert Hardy
	His Hon Judge Michael Harris
	His Hon Judge Charles Harris QC
	His Hon Judge Gareth Hawkesworth
	His Hon Judge Richard Hawkins
	His Hon Judge Jonathan Haworth
	His Hon Judge Richard Haworth
	His Hon Judge Richard Hayward
	His Hon Judge Richard Hayward-Smith QC
	His Hon Judge Alan Hitching
	His Hon Judge John Holt
	His Hon Judge Richard Hone QC
	His Hon Judge Michael Hucker
	Her Hon Judge Judith Hughes
	His Hon Judge Derek Inman
	His Hon Judge Austin Issard-Davies
	His Hon Judge Peter Jacobs
	His Hon Judge Nicholas Jones
	His Hon Judge Cedric Joseph
	His Hon Judge Ian Karsten QC
	His Hon Judge Sam Katkhuda
	His Hon Judge Charles Kemp
	His Hon Judge William Kennedy
	His Hon Judge Anthony King
	His Hon Judge Timothy King
	Her Hon Judge Patricia Knowles
	His Hon Judge Stephen Kramer QC
	His Hon Judge Timothy Lawrence
	His Hon Judge Michael Lawson QC
	His Hon Judge Crawford Lindsay
	His Hon Judge Nicholas Lorraine Smith
	His Hon Judge Jonathan Lowan
	His Hon Judge Shaun Lyons
	His Hon Judge Kenneth Macrae
	His Hon Judge Terry Maher
	His Hon Judge James Mahoney
	His Hon Judge Freddy Marr-Johnson
	His Hon Judge David Martineau
	Her Hon Judge Susan Matthews
	Her Hon Judge Vera Mayer
	His Hon Judge Andrew McDowall
	His Hon Judge Richard McGregor-Johnson
	His Hon Judge Bruce McIntyre
	His Hon Judge Rodney McKinnon
	His Hon Judge Warwick McKinnon
	His Hon Judge Nicholas Medawar
	His Hon Judge David Mellor
	His Hon Judge Geoffrey Mercer
	His Hon Judge Christopher Mitchell
	His Hon Judge Fergus Mitchell
	Her Hon Judge Angelica Mitchell
	His Hon Judge David Mitchell
	His Hon Judge David Mole QC
	His Hon Judge Anthony Morris QC
	His Hon Judge David Morton Jack
	His Hon Judge Christopher Moss
	His Hon Judge Ronald Moss
	Her Hon Judge Mary Mowat
	His Hon Judge Tim Nash
	His Hon Judge Anthony Niblett
	His Hon Judge Philip Norris QBE
	His Hon Judge David Paget QC
	His Hon Judge Andrew Patience QC
	Her Hon Judge Valerie Pearlman
	His Hon Judge Nicholas Philpot
	His Hon Judge Deva Pillay
	His Hon Judge David Pitman
	His Hon Judge Anthony Pitts
	His Hon Judge Jonathan Playford
	Her Hon Judge Isobel Plumstead
	His Hon Judge Tim Pontius
	His Hon Judge Simon Pratt
	His Hon Judge John Price
	His Hon Judge David Radford
	His Hon Judge Robert Reid QC
	His Hon Judge David Rennie
	His Hon Judge Martin Reynolds
	His Hon Judge David Richardson
	His Hon Judge Geoffrey Rivlin QC
	His Hon Judge Stephen Robbins
	His Hon Judge Mervyn Roberts
	His Hon Judge Jeremy Roberts QC
	His Hon Judge William Rose
	His Hon Judge John Samuels
	His Hon Judge Roger Sanders
	His Hon Judge Anthony Scott-Gall
	His Hon Judge John Sessions
	His Hon Judge Alan Simmons
	His Hon Judge Keith Simpson
	His Hon Judge Stuart Sleeman
	His Hon Judge C.M. Smith QC
	Her Hon Judge Zoe Smith
	His Hon Judge Simon Smith QC
	His Hon Judge Edward Southwell
	His Hon Judge Stanley Spence
	His Hon Judge Philip Statman
	His Hon Judge Martin Stephens QC
	Her Hon Judge Linda Stern QC
	His Hon Judge Neill Stewart
	His Hon Judge Gregory Stone
	His Hon Judge Timothy Stow QC
	His Hon Judge John Tanzer
	Her Hon Judge Susan Tapping
	His Hon Judge Peter Testar
	His Hon Judge Bill Thomas
	His Hon Judge Peter Thompson
	His Hon Judge Anthony Thorpe
	His Hon Judge Charles Tilling
	His Hon Judge David Turner QC
	His Hon Judge Christopher Tyrer
	His Hon Judge Jonathan Van der Werff
	His Hon Judge James Wadsworth QC
	His Hon Judge Richard Walker
	His Hon Judge Stephen Waller
	His Hon Judge Anthony Webb
	His Hon Judge Charles Welchman
	His Hon Judge Simon Wilkinson
	Her Hon Judge Adele Williams
	His Hon Judge Robert Winstanley
	Her Hon Judge Suzanna Woollam
	His Hon Judge Daniel Worsley
	His Hon Judge Michael Yelton
	His Hon Judge Martyn Zeidman QC
	His Hon Judge Kenneth Zucker QC

Rape Trials

Vera Baird: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs whether any judge had his or her ticket to try rape withdrawn during (a) 2003 and (b) 2004.

Harriet Harman: The withdrawal of a rape authorisation is decided by the Lord Chief Justice personally. In 2003 and 2004 no authorisations were withdrawn.

Rape Trials

Vera Baird: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs by what criteria judges in the Court of Appeal Criminal Division are selected to hear rape appeals.

Harriet Harman: Judges who sit in the Criminal Division of the Court of Appeal can hear the full range of cases dealt with in this jurisdiction, including rape appeals.

Rape Trials

Vera Baird: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs whether High Court judges have to be ticketed to try rape.

Harriet Harman: A ticketing system is not operated for Queen's Bench Division Judges of the High Court who try rape, but any Queen's Bench Division Judge who does so is required to have attended the Serious Sexual Offences Seminar (SSOS) run by the Judicial Studies Board before they can sit on such cases.

Rape Trials

Vera Baird: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs which circuit judges on the north eastern circuit are licensed to try rape and serious sexual offences.

Harriet Harman: The following circuit judges on the north eastern circuit are licensed to try rape and serious sexual offences:
	His Hon Judge Peter Armstrong
	His Hon Judge Trevor Barber
	His Hon Judge Robert Bartfield
	His Hon Judge Peter Benson
	His Hon Judge David Bentley QC
	Her Hon Judge Beatrice Bolton
	His Hon Judge Peter Bowers
	His Hon Judge Anthony Briggs
	His Hon Judge David Bryant
	His Hon Judge John Bullimore
	His Hon Judge Bryan Bush
	Her Hon Judge Sally Cahill QC
	His Hon Judge Maurice Carr
	Her Hon Judge Annabel Carr QC
	His Hon Judge Michael Cartlidge
	His Hon Judge John Cockroft
	His Hon Judge Tom Cracknell
	Her Hon Judge Jacqueline Davies
	His Hon Judge lan Dobkin
	His Hon Judge John Dowse
	His Hon Judge Esmond Faulks
	His Hon Judge Peter Fox QC
	Recorder of Sheffield Alan Goldsack QC
	His Hon Judge Rodney Grant
	His Hon Judge Simon Grenfell
	His Hon Judge Stephen Gullick
	His Hon Judge Simon Hawkesworth QC
	His Hon Judge Tim Hewitt
	Recorder of Newcastle David Hodson
	His Hon Judge Paul Hoffman
	His Hon Judge Leslie Hull
	His Hon Judge Peter Hunt
	His Hon Judge Simon Jack
	His Hon Judge Norman Jones QC
	His Hon Judge Geoffrey Kamil
	His Hon Judge Roger Keen QC
	His Hon Judge Anthony Lancaster
	His Hon Judge Simon Lawler QC
	His Hon Judge Richard Lowden
	Her Hon Judge Kerry MacGill
	His Hon Judge Alastair McCallum
	His Hon Judge Michael Mettyear
	His Hon Judge John Milford QC
	His Hon Judge George Moorhouse
	His Hon Judge Michael Murphy QC
	His Hon Judge John Reddihough
	His Hon Judge Patrick Robertshaw
	His Hon Judge Roger Scott
	His Hon Judge James Spencer QC
	His Hon Judge Shaun Spencer QC
	His Hon Judge Leslie Spittle
	His Hon Judge James Stewart QC
	Her Hon Judge Linda Sutcliffe
	His Hon Judge Michael Taylor
	His Hon Judge Roger Thorn QC
	His Hon Judge John Walford
	His Hon Judge Christopher Walton
	His Hon Judge Guy Whitburn QC
	His Hon Judge John Wolstenholme
	His Hon Judge David Wood

Rape Trials

Vera Baird: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what criteria are applied to the decision on whether to ticket a judge to try rape; and who applies them in an individual case.

Harriet Harman: The authorisation of individual circuit judges to try rape and other serious sexual offences is made by the senior presiding judge on behalf of the Lord Chief Justice. Such judges are identified by the presiding judges of each circuit. Before being authorised a judge must have wide and significant experience of the criminal justice system, and must have demonstrated the necessary sensitivity for these cases. Specialist training is provided for each authorised judge by the Judicial Studies Board and it is a condition that the judge must attend before he can sit on such cases.
	I would refer the hon. Member for Redcar to my answer to her earlier question for the position in relation to High Court Judges.

Rape Trials

Vera Baird: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs how many of the judges who sit on criminal cases in the Court of Appeal Criminal Division had previously been ticketed to try rape trials.

Harriet Harman: All circuit judges who now sit in the Court of Appeal Criminal Division (CACD) are authorised to try rape. High Court Judges who sit in the CACD do not need to be ticketed to hear rape appeals. In relation to this point I would refer the hon. Member for Redcar to my answer to the earlier question from the hon. Member. Some of the Lords Justices who currently sit in the CACD will also have attended the Serious Sexual Offences Seminar (SSOS) whilst they were High Court Judges because it would have been compulsory for them to do so. It is unlikely that any constitution of the CACD that considers a rape appeal would not include at least one member who has attended the SSOS.

UK Judges (European Courts)

John Hayes: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs if she will list UK judges eligible to sit in European courts; and if she will list (a) EU-funded courses in which they have participated and (b) EU grants which their chambers have received.

Harriet Harman: The UK members of the European courts are as follows:
	European Court of Justice:
	Lord Justice Konrad Schiemann (member of the Court)
	Francis Jacobs QC (Advocate-General)
	Nicholas Forwood QC (member of the Court of First Instance)
	European Court of Human Rights
	Sir Nicholas Bratza
	The Government do not hold the information requested in points (a) and (b).

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Yemen

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will make a statement on bilateral aid to Yemen.

Gareth Thomas: From 1997 until 2003, DFID's bilateral aid programme was approximately £2 million per annum. The programme allocation has risen steadily over the last three years in recognition of Yemen's major poverty challenge: £4 million in financial year 2003–04, £5.7 million in 2004–05 and £12.6 million in 2005–06.
	Our current priorities include improving basic education services, support for the Government of Yemen's Social Development Fund, and helping the Government to develop a new poverty reduction strategy.

Sri Lanka

Simon Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what support his Department plans (a) for Sri Lanka generally and (b) for the Tamil north and east parts of Sri Lanka in 2005–06.

Gareth Thomas: DFID is supporting programmes to help develop and implement a National Education Plan, and to support the livelihoods of people displaced by the civil war. We also provide support through UNICEF, OXFAM and Save the Children programmes.
	Following the tsunami we provided some £7 million of immediate emergency relief. We are also providing debt relief over the next 10 years worth at least £40 million.
	DFID contributed to the assessment of post-tsunami reconstruction needs, including in the north and east. The Government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) are currently negotiating to establish a joint mechanism to channel donor funds to the areas controlled by the LTTE. We will consider further support for tsunami recovery, including in the north and east, in the light of Government's plans, and once the joint mechanism has been formalised.

G8 (International Development)

Charles Hendry: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what criteria the Government will use to measure the extent to which the conclusions reached at the G8 meeting in July meet the Government's goals for international development.

Hilary Benn: DFID is working closely with other Departments to develop the UK's G8 presidency strategy.
	On Africa, the UK is urging the G8 to show global leadership by agreeing a comprehensive plan of action, including increased resources for Africa through more and better aid and debt relief help to improve governance and build effective states and opportunities for economic growth, including more trade. On climate change, the UK is seeking to promote an international consensus on the need for further action to control emissions. At the summit, the UK wants to set out a clear understanding of the scale of the challenge and work in partnership with the major emerging economies to reach a new consensus on how we deal with this challenge in the future.

HIV/AIDS

Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will make a statement on his Department's approach to combating HIV/AIDS in the developing world.

Gareth Thomas: The UK's strategy for tackling HIV and AIDS in the developing world, published in July 2004, sets out our comprehensive response which tackles prevention, treatment and care. We are prioritising the needs of women, young people and vulnerable groups and focusing on human rights and stigma and discrimination.
	The Government have committed at least £1.5 billion to 2008 to intensify AIDS-related work in the developing world, ensuring that we invest at least £150 million to support the needs of orphans and other children, particularly in Africa, made vulnerable by HIV and AIDS.
	We are calling on G8 partners to step up comprehensive action, including research and development of vaccines and microbicides. We are also calling on partners to make the money work by implementing the 3 Ones principles.

Global Poverty

Mike Gapes: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will make a statement on the Government's policy on the elimination of global poverty.

Hilary Benn: The Government are working with the international community to eliminate global poverty, through the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.
	We will use our Presidencies of the G8 and the European Union, to accelerate progress during 2005, especially in Africa, across three related areas. This will include; increased and more effective aid, particularly through promoting the International Finance Facility; fairer trade, including securing a better deal for developing countries; and on debt, by encouraging others to support a new multilateral debt relief initiative.

Balkans

Gordon Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what initiatives his Department is undertaking in Balkan countries to build civil society.

Gareth Thomas: Strengthening civil society is an important element of DFID's Western Balkans Regional Assistance Plan, particularly in development and implementation of Poverty Reduction Strategies, providing funding through the inter-department Global Conflict Pool; and providing £1.180 million support to NGO projects, through the Civil Society Challenge Fund.

Zimbabwe

Kate Hoey: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what his assessment is of the food shortage in Zimbabwe.

Hilary Benn: There has been no objective assessment of the recent harvest in Zimbabwe. Credible observers estimate a cereal shortage of approximately one million metric tonnes. Government food stocks and import plans are unknown. Although widespread starvation is unlikely, up to six million people could experience serious food shortages by the end of the year. We are supporting an £18 million Protracted Relief Programme to assist up to 1.5 million of the most vulnerable people in Zimbabwe. DFID, UN agencies and other donors are monitoring the situation closely and await clarity from the Government of Zimbabwe regarding their need for further assistance.

Ghana

John Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will make a statement on the incidence of AIDS in Ghana.

Hilary Benn: In common with many developing countries, Ghana uses HIV/AIDS prevalence among 15 to 24-year-old women attending antenatal care as a proxy to measure HIV/AIDS incidence—that is, the rate of new HIV/AIDS infections.
	Ghana's HIV/AIDS survey for 2004 reported that HIV/AIDS prevalence among 15 to 24-years-olds was 2.5 per cent., lower than any year since 2001. National prevalence was 3.1 per cent. in 2004, down from 3.6 per cent. in 2003. While encouraging, the improvements registered in 2004 are closely associated with an 83 per cent. increase in the number of antenatal testing sites in rural areas, where levels of infection tend to be lower.

TREASURY

Emigration

John Hemming: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the number of people who emigrated from the UK in each year from 1990 to 2004.

John Healey: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	Letter from Len Cook to Mr. John Hemming, dated 25 May 2005
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question regarding the number of people emigrating from the United Kingdom in each year since 1990. (904)
	Estimates of emigration from the UK are shown in the attached table. The figures are based on the most comprehensive estimate of migration produced by the Office for National Statistics, "Total International Migration" (TIM), which is based on a number of sources. TIM estimates using the current methodology are only available from 1991 onwards and the latest estimates, for 2003, were published in the annual reference volume International Migration, Series MN no. 30, on the National Statistics website at the link below on 28th April 2005: http://www.statistics.gov.uk/STATBASE/Product.asp?vlnk=507
	
		Total international migration(6): United Kingdom—Emigration time series 1991 to 2003
		
			  Thousand 
			  Outflow (emigration out of the UK)—All citizenships 
		
		
			 1991 285.0 
			 1992 281.1 
			 1993 266.3 
			 1994 237.6 
			 1995 236.5 
			 1996 263.7 
			 1997 279.2 
			 1998 251.5 
			 1999 290.8 
			 2000 320.7 
			 2001 307.7 
			 2002 359.4 
			 2003 361.5 
		
	
	(6) Data for 1991–2002 are based mainly on data from the International Passenger Survey. Includes adjustments for (1) those whose intended length of stay changes so that their migrant status changes; (2) asylum seekers and their dependants not identified by the IPS; and (3) flows between the UK and the Republic of Ireland.
	Note:
	A small weighting adjustment has been applied to IPS data for 1991 to 1998. This reflects the estimated effect of applying the weighting improvements made to IPS data from 1999 onwards.

EU Committees

Angus Robertson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many times during the (a) Italian, (b) Irish and (c) Dutch presidency of the EU the (i) Customs 2002 Committee, (ii) Committee for the application of the rules on the manufacture and placing on the market of certain substances used in the illicit manufacture of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and (iii) Committee on the movement of air or sea passengers' baggage (principles) met; when and where these meetings took place; what UK Government expert was present; and if he will make a statement.

John Healey: The information requested is given as follows:
	(i) The work of the Customs 2002 Committee was completed before the start of the presidencies in question.
	(ii) Meetings of this Committee were held as follows, all in Brussels, under Commission chairmanship:
	Italian presidency
	29–30 September 2003, attended by the Home Office and the National Criminal Intelligence Service (NCIS).
	18 December 2003, attended by the Home Office, NCIS and HM Customs and Excise.
	Irish presidency
	19 April 2004, attended by the Home Office and NCIS.
	Netherlands presidency
	5 October 2004, attended by the Home Office, NCIS, and HM Customs and Excise.
	16 December 2004, attended by the Home Office and NCIS.
	(iii) The ad hoc committee relating to the baggage regulation has not met the last four years.

EU Committees

Angus Robertson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many times during the (a) Italian, (b) Irish and (c) Dutch presidency of the EU the (i) Customs Co-operation Subcommittee—EEC-Hong Kong, (ii) EEC—Mexico Special Committee on Customs Co-operation and (iii) Advisory Committee on the Communities' Own Resources met; when and where these meetings took place; what UK Government expert was present; and if he will make a statement.

John Healey: The information requested is given as follows:
	(i) and (ii): These committees are run by the European Commission and we have no relevant information relating to them.
	(iii) Advisory Committee on the Communities' Own Resources.
	All meetings held in Brussels, as follows:
	Italian presidency
	2 July 2003,
	20 November 2003 (VAT),
	10 December 2003.
	Irish presidency
	20 April 2004 (Budget 2005).
	Dutch presidency
	21 October 2004 (VAT),
	9 December 2004.
	HM Customs and Excise were represented at each of these meetings except the meeting on 20 April 2004 where the UK was represented by HM Treasury.

EU Committees

Angus Robertson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many times during the (a) Italian, (b) Irish and (c) Dutch presidency of the EU the (i) Customs Code Committee—customs valuation, (ii) Customs Code Committee—customs warehouses and free zones and (iii) Customs Code Committee—customs procedures with economic impact met; when and where these meetings took place; what UK Government expert was present; and if he will make a statement.

John Healey: The information requested is as follows.
	(i) Customs Code Committee—customs valuation
	Italian presidency
	3 July 2003
	6 October 2003
	Irish presidency
	10–11 February 2004
	21 April 2004
	Dutch presidency
	8 July 2004
	1 October 2004
	20 December 2004
	(ii) Customs Code Committee—Customs warehouses and free zones
	Italian presidency
	18 September 2003
	10 November 2003
	Irish presidency
	16–17 February 2004
	28 April 2004
	10 May 2004
	16 June 2004
	Dutch presidency
	28 September 2004
	26 November 2004
	(iii) Customs Code Committee—economic impact
	Information is not available at this stage.
	All the meetings listed under (i) and (ii) were held in Brussels and were attended by officials of HM Customs and Excise.

Orkney and Shetland Businesses (Crown Estate)

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much businesses based in Orkney and Shetland have paid in rents to The Crown Estate in each of the last five years.

John Healey: The total amount of rent paid to The Crown Estate from Orkney and Shetland over the last five years is as follows:
	
		
			 Financial year £ 
		
		
			 2000–01 1,047,700 
			 2001–02 998,900 
			 2002–03 697,100 
			 2003–04 730,100 
			 2004–05 1,118,500 
			 Total rents 4,592,300

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

Coldeast Hospital Site

Mark Hoban: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on his Department's plans for the Coldeast hospital site in Fareham.

Yvette Cooper: holding answer 24 May 2005
	On 7 April 2004 my right hon. Friends the Deputy Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Health announced an agreement in principle to transfer surplus non-operational NHS sites to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. On 1 April 2005 my right hon. Friends the Deputy Prime Minster and Chancellor of the Exchequer announced the transfer of the first NHS sites. 67 vacant sites transferred to English Partnerships on 6 April 2005, including the Coldeast hospital site in Fareham.
	The sites will be used to respond to housing needs, especially those presented by the first time buyer market and to promote the regeneration of priority areas in line with the sustainable communities plan. Specific proposals for individual sites will now be taken forward by English Partnerships in consultation with local partners including the local planning authority.

Development (Hertfordshire)

Charles Walker: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what measures he is taking to encourage the development of brownfield sites in Hertfordshire; and if he will make a statement.

Yvette Cooper: Government policy set out in PPG3: Housing requires that all local planning authorities undertake an assessment of urban capacity in order to establish how much housing can be accommodated within urban areas. PPG3 also requires that regional planning bodies draw on such assessments in preparing draft revisions to regional spatial strategies and in proposing regional targets for the re-use of previously developed land. The level of development to be provided in Hertfordshire, its location and the balance between greenfield and brownfield development will be determined through the ongoing review of the regional spatial strategy for the east of England.
	The Government have also introduced a greenfield direction which requires local planning authorities, that have not reviewed their development plans, to notify the Secretary of State, my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister, of any planning application comprising five hectares or more of greenfield land or 150 dwellings or more on greenfield land which the local planning authority intends to permit.

Development (Hertfordshire)

Charles Walker: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what measures he is taking to protect Hertfordshire's green belt from further development; and if he will make a statement.

Yvette Cooper: The Government place great importance on safeguarding the purposes and functions of the green belt. Government policy set out in PPG2: Green Belts requires that once the extent of green belt boundaries have been established they should only be altered by development plans in exceptional circumstances. The Government's representations on the east of England plan advise that the panel set up to conduct the examination in public will need to rigorously test whether those exceptional circumstances exist.

Housebuilding (Redcar)

Vera Baird: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what his Department's requirement is for the number of houses to be built in Redcar in each of the next 10 years.

Yvette Cooper: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister does not require houses to be built but rather directs local authorities to make housing provision in statutory planning documents detailed as follows.
	The Regional Spatial Strategy for the north-east (adopted November 2002) allocated the Tees Valley an average rate of housing provision of 1,250 up to 2006 and 1,500 post 2006.
	The Tees Valley Structure Plan (adopted February 2004) allocates this housing provision at district level; Redcar and Cleveland borough council's allocation is as follows:
	
		Policy HI
		
			  Number 
			  Approximate Per annum 
		
		
			 2002–06 800 200 
			 Post 2006 2,400 240 
		
	
	The Regional Spatial Strategy is currently being reviewed with an adoption date programmed for early 2007; once adopted this document will supersede the above documents.

Housing (Gloucestershire)

David Drew: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many houses have been sold under Right to Buy by each local authority in Gloucestershire since the inception of the scheme.

Yvette Cooper: The numbers of council dwellings reported as sold under the Right to Buy scheme by each local authority in Gloucestershire up to the end of 2003–04 are as follows:
	
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 Cheltenham 3,158 
			 Cotswold 2,151 
			 Forest of Dean 2,805 
			 Gloucester 2,561 
			 Stroud 3,350 
			 Tewkesbury 1,937 
		
	
	Source:
	Quarterly council house sales returns (P1B) from local authorities.

Housing (Gloucestershire)

David Drew: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many people were on the housing register in each local authority in Gloucestershire in the last year for which figures are available.

Yvette Cooper: Local authorities in England report the numbers of households on their housing waiting list (excluding tenants awaiting a transfer) as at 1 April in their annual Housing Strategy Statistical Appendix return. Local authorities sometimes maintain a common waiting list with the housing association/s in their district. However, information is not held centrally where a housing association maintains a separate waiting list to the local authority.
	The latest information, for 2004, is given as follows for the six districts in Gloucestershire:
	
		Households on the housing waiting list at 1 April 2004
		
			 Local authority Number of households 
		
		
			 Cheltenham 3,620 
			 Cotswold(7) 1,787 
			 Forest of Dean 2,164 
			 Gloucester(7) 3,934 
			 Stroud 1,627 
			 Tewkesbury(7) 1,623 
			 Total 14,755 
		
	
	(7) Denotes that the local authority has a common waiting list with the Housing Association/s in their area.
	Source:
	ODPM's Housing Strategy Statistical Appendix return.

Housing (Gloucestershire)

David Drew: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many house completions of (a) social housing and (b) affordable housing there were in each local authority area in Gloucestershire in the last year for which figures are available.

Yvette Cooper: The following table shows social and affordable dwellings provided in each local authority area in Gloucestershire in 2004–05.
	
		
			  Social housing dwellings provided Affordable housing dwellings provided 
		
		
			 Cheltenham 66 45 
			 Cotswold 74 21 
			 Forest of Dean 16 1 
			 Gloucester 31 30 
			 Stroud 12 15 
			 Tewkesbury 42 17 
		
	
	Note:
	Includes new build dwellings, acquisitions (including open market purchase e.g. existing Home Buy scheme) and dwellings completed for intermediate rent)
	Source:
	Housing Corporation

Ministerial Responsibilities

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the (a) responsibilities and (b) role of the Minister of Communities and Local Government are.

Jim Fitzpatrick: My right hon. Friend the Minister of Communities and Local Government was appointed to support my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister across the full range of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's activities.

Negative Subsidy

John Hayes: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what acreage of England lies under roads; and what percentage of land area this represents.

Yvette Cooper: Latest available statistics for 2001 from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's generalised land use database (GLUD) for England show that 757,500 acres (306,500 hectares) of England lies under roads.
	The GLUD definition of 'roads' also includes adjacent pedestrian footway i.e. 'pavements'.
	This accounts for 2.3 per cent. of the total land area of England.

Neighbourhood Funding

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on plans to make available funds for local neighbourhoods to spend on local priorities.

Phil Woolas: No decisions have yet been made on the allocation of over £1 billion of new Neighbourhood Renewal Fund (NRF) resources for the period 2006–08. The Government is carefully examining the options available, in the light of responses to the recent consultation. An announcement on the allocations will be made as soon as possible once we have completed our consideration.

Parish Councils (London)

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans the Government has for the creation of parish councils in London; and if he will make a statement.

Phil Woolas: Following publication of the discussion document "Citizen Engagement and Public Services: Why Neighbourhoods Matter" on 31 January 2005 which indicated the Government's intention to seek to remove the existing barrier on urban parishes in London, our manifesto commits us to extend the right to establish parish councils to London communities.

Retail Precincts

Vera Baird: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister whether the Government makes available (a) grant aid and (b) other forms of support for the redevelopment of derelict retail precincts.

Yvette Cooper: The Government provides financial assistance for a range of town/city centre regeneration initiatives, and this forms a key part of the work of English Partnerships, the Government's national regeneration agency, in pursuance of the Sustainable Communities Plan. English Partnerships is committed to the provision of mixed-use development rather than single use: the need for facilities, including retail, to support sustainable communities is recognised and retail provision is factored into many of its projects, including at the local level. The extent of funding availability from English Partnerships will depend on specific local circumstances and whether a particular project accords with English Partnerships' corporate priorities.
	The redevelopment of derelict retail precincts would in general terms be eligible for support from the Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) Single Programme (including Single Regeneration Budget). The appropriate regional development agency should be approached in the first instance: again, funding availability will depend on specific circumstances and the fit with RDA priorities.
	The Government also supports the introduction of Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) to assist the delivery of high-quality town centre regeneration and enhance existing business environments, although this is not through large-scale capital funding. Government funding, together with assistance from private sector partners, has been provided through the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for the BIDs pilot research project, which looked to test the BIDs concepts in a number of locations around the UK. BIDs do not relate solely to retail centres, but many town and local centres do include a large retail element.

PRIME MINISTER

Rented Housing (London)

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Prime Minister what plans the Government have to increase the supply of housing for rent by councils and housing associations in London.

Tony Blair: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is investing nearly £1.5 billion through the Housing Corporation's Approved Development Programme in 2004–06 to provide over 21,000 affordable homes in London, of which 10,000 will be for affordable renting, 7,000 for key workers and 4,000 for low cost home ownership.

Antisocial Neighbours

John Mann: To ask the Prime Minister what plans he has to tackle antisocial neighbours.

Tony Blair: The Government have a wide ranging strategy to tackle antisocial behaviour, In order to help address the issue of antisocial neighbours, the Anti-Social Behaviour Unit at the Home Office has set up a National Nuisance Neighbour Expert Panel made up of experts from the police, local authority, social services, youth offending teams and the voluntary sector. The panel has heard over 120 cases. Feedback received indicates that in 66 per cent. of cases behaviour had improved and the problems curtailed as a result of the panel's intervention.
	We have already seen significant successes in dealing with antisocial behaviour, as confirmed by the fall in the number of people who perceive it to be a significant problem (as reported by the British Crime Survey). During this Parliament, we will step up the work of the Anti-Social Behaviour Unit, driving through cultural change in local communities especially in deprived areas. This will be a Government-wide programme, with the active support of a number of Government Departments.

Consultants

Mr. Mitchell: To ask the Prime Minister which consultants have been employed by his Office in each of the last three years.

Tony Blair: For these purposes my office forms part of the Cabinet Office. I have therefore asked my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Mr. Hutton) to reply. A copy of the reply will be placed in the Library of the House.